Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage – Flavorful One-Pot Meal
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy meal, Dirty Rice with Sausage is the perfect dish! This Southern-inspired recipe is packed with bold Cajun flavors, smoky sausage, and tender rice, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. It’s a simple, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Traditionally, dirty rice gets its “dirty” look from the combination of browned meat, vegetables, and seasonings. In this version, we’re using sausage to create a rich and satisfying dish that pairs well with just about anything. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, this one-pot sausage and rice recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup easy.
✔️ Packed with Flavor – The combination of Cajun seasoning, sausage, and aromatic vegetables creates a bold, smoky taste.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
✔️ Versatile & Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Dirty Rice with Sausage, you’ll need:
- Ground Sausage: 1 pound (hot, mild, or smoked sausage)
- White Rice: 1½ cups (long-grain works best)
- Chicken Broth: 3 cups
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Bell Pepper: 1 medium (green or red), chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks, finely diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Cajun Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Green Onions: For garnish (optional)
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:
- Use Brown Rice: If using brown rice, increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
- Make It Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free!
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this dish easily, you’ll need:
- A large skillet or Dutch oven (for even cooking)
- A wooden spoon (for stirring)
- A knife and cutting board (for chopping vegetables)
- A measuring cup and spoons (for accurate ingredient portions)
How to Make Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pan with the sausage. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Season the Dish
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the sausage and vegetables in the seasoning.
Step 4: Add the Rice and Broth
Pour in the rice and mix it with the sausage and vegetables. Add the chicken broth, stirring to combine everything evenly. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook
Cover the skillet and let the rice cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid stirring too much, as this can make the rice mushy.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Dirty Rice
✅ Toast the Rice: Sautéing the rice for 1-2 minutes before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor.
✅ Use Quality Sausage: The type of sausage you use impacts the overall flavor—choose a high-quality smoked or spicy sausage for extra depth.
✅ Let the Rice Rest: Allowing the rice to sit off the heat for a few minutes ensures a fluffy texture.
✅ Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, use mild sausage and reduce Cajun seasoning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not Rinsing the Rice: Rinse rice under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
❌ Overcooking the Rice: Keep an eye on the cooking time and remove from heat once tender.
❌ Using Too Much Liquid: Stick to the broth-to-rice ratio to prevent sogginess.
❌ Skipping the Seasoning: Cajun seasoning is key to achieving an authentic dirty rice flavor.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
This Dirty Rice with Sausage pairs well with:
- Cornbread – A classic Southern side that complements the smoky flavors.
- Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
- A Side Salad – A fresh, tangy salad helps lighten the richness of the dish.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Variations & Ingredient Swaps
🔥 Extra Spicy Version: Use hot sausage and add diced jalapeños.
🌱 Vegetarian Option: Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
🥓 Bacon Twist: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty kick.
FAQs About Dirty Rice with Sausage
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes! Slice it and cook with the vegetables instead of browning it first.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I use jasmine or basmati rice?
Yes, but adjust the liquid ratio slightly, as different rice types absorb liquid differently.
Conclusion
This Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With bold Cajun flavors, hearty sausage, and tender rice, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together in just one pot. Whether you make it for a quick dinner, a family gathering, or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! If you enjoyed it, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious recipes.
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Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage – Flavorful One-Pot Meal
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage is a bold, flavorful one-pot meal packed with Cajun spices, smoky sausage, and tender rice. It’s a simple, budget-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
✅ 1 pound ground sausage (hot, mild, or smoked)
✅ 1½ cups white rice (long-grain works best)
✅ 3 cups chicken broth
✅ 1 small onion, finely chopped
✅ 1 medium bell pepper (green or red), chopped
✅ 2 celery stalks, finely diced
✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
✅ 1 teaspoon paprika
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
✅ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✅ Green onions, for garnish (optional)
✅ 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:
- Use Brown Rice: Increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
- Make It Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free!
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
2️⃣ Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat everything in the seasoning.
4️⃣ Pour in rice and mix with the sausage and vegetables. Add chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
5️⃣ Cover the skillet and let the rice cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6️⃣ Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Toast the Rice: Sautéing rice for 1-2 minutes before adding broth enhances its flavor.
- Use Quality Sausage: High-quality smoked or spicy sausage adds depth.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
